Big launch for Sports Power superstore concept

Among the many talking points at the Sports Power apparel and footwear conference this week were the new superstore plans.

The franchise group held its spring summer 2016 buying event at its usual haunt of the Crown Promenade complex with a "wonderful" store turnout - 110 stores of the total 145 attended, reports General Manager Terry Dopper and his team.

The group "enthusiastically greeted the launch of the superstores" says Dopper, with the first being the Bunbury store in February/March, a partnership between Peter Hannah, Bruce Clarke from Busselton and Colin Clarke of Margaret River.

Says Dopper, "We expect 15 or 20 over the next 12 months, with many members interested in the new concept.

"This will give us another opportunity to be located in key areas and to keep elevating our offer to support our members and attract new members."

Catchy slogoan for the rollout is "Big range, big brands, big deals."

Other new initiatives included the product alignment programme and an EDM programme offering tools for local promotions, along with greater push via Facebook.

The buying conference included an awards dinner, with ASICS announced as footwear supplier of the year and adidas as apparel supplier of the year.

Major suppliers presented their SS2016 ranges to the members in state groups over two days, with a special Nike showing on Tuesday night.

* Pictured: Terry Dopper and Monique Maes, apparel and footwear manager, with one of the superstore banners